According to some research, 30-40% of supervisors’ and managers’ daily activities are devoted to dealing with conflicts in the workplace. Typical workplace conflicts are often fueled by staff with varied personalities, different work styles and approaches, cliques/rumors/jealousies, competition rather than collaboration, feelings of being unappreciated or ignored, and a history of unresolved tension.

This 2-day experiential workshop offers managers specific tools to utilize in conflict situations. Focusing on universal concepts of conflict resolution theory and practice, participants will learn strategies to minimize tense situations, and to maximize a constructive and efficient collaborative workplace. The workshop includes materials and exercises in which to practice these strategies, and develop effective communication skills that support these concepts.

While some workplace situations are unavoidable, most conflicts are ignored or addressed punitively, often having the resulting effect of perpetuating resentment or escalating tensions. Typical contentious situations include jealously, cliques, rumors, competition rather than collaboration, misunderstandings and assumptions, feuding individuals or groups, unfair treatment, perceived wasted and non-productive time, and various complaints and grievances related to fairness and under core values.

Topics covered include:

• Attitudes and Styles of conflict management
• Attack/defend modalities; the strategy of de-escalation
• The underlying motivations of the conflicts
• Applying specific communication skills and language 
• Using power effectively; setting limits

Your instructors for this class are:

Marc Steiner holds an M.A. in Communication and has worked as a mediator and a trainer for over 20 years. His background is highlighted by his work with youth in family settings, child protective agencies, and the courts.  He has taught courses at the University of NM, the Dept. of Juvenile Justice in Illinois, Utah, Nevada and South Carolina and the Oklahoma Office of Courts.  Marc has taught in school districts in over 40 states.  He has trained at the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs, American Insitute of Architects and Americorps.

Maralise Hood-Quan holds a B.A. in International Relations and Conflict Management and a Juris Doctorate.  In 1985, Maralise moved to Central America where she became coordinator of The Conflict Resolution program at  The United Nations University of Peace.  There she was instrumental in the success of such projects as the Central American Peace Education curriculum and the World Conflict Resolution Center. After eight years of training and facilitating peace agreements in Central America, Maralise returned to the U.S. and started a private consulting business teaching conflict resolution to companies and other organizations (UN, Police forces). Today, she is the Executive Director at PCCDR and focuses her efforts on training conflict resolution techniques locally.